Ohio State faced its first major test of the season against No. 3 Oregon on Saturday, which resulted in its first loss of the season, 32-31. It was the Buckeyes first Big Ten matchup against Oregon, going on the road to Autzen Stadium, and in front of a record-setting 60,192 fans, multiple Buckeyes showed up for the big game despite the loss.
Here were selections from the Buckeye Sports Bulletin staff for players worthy of receiving Buckeye Leaves in the loss to the Ducks:
Patrick Engels: Entering the game against the Ducks, tight end Gee Scott Jr. was seldom used in the passing game, totaling just four receptions for 19 yards — albeit one of those being a 3-yard score against Michigan State.
But against Oregon, Scott was one of Will Howard’s most reliable and productive targets. Howard found the veteran Scott early and often at Autzen Stadium, catching his first pass on the very first drive of the game on a 6-yard gain, and then coming away with a 15-yard gain later in the second quarter on a crucial third-and-9 that led to a Emeka Egbuka touchdown a few plays later.
Scott had his biggest catch — both statistically and in the actual game — when he found the seam in the middle of the field for a crucial 25-yard gain early in the third quarter that put the Buckeyes at the Oregon 35-yard line, a drive in which they would eventually score on with a Jeremiah Smith score.
In all, he had three catches for 46 yards, by far the best outing of the season for Scott.
Bobby Gorbett: My Buckeye Leaf goes to Ohio State freshman wide receiver Jeremiah Smith. The freshman had another standout performance against what is likely the best secondary he had faced all year. Smith, who had already been one of the most productive freshmen in the country coming into the game came up with several clutch receptions to help the Buckeyes mount scoring drives.
Smith finished the game with nine catches for 100 yards and a touchdown. Smith’s great performance was marked by a massive 18-yard catch on third-and-seven that eventually led to a Jayden Fielding go-ahead field goal.
Smith also had his seventh total touchdown of the season when he hauled in a 6-yard touchdown grab to give the Buckeyes a lead in the second half.
Greg Wilson: My Buckeye Leaf goes to Caleb Downs, who might have been the Buckeyes best performer on the defensive side of the ball, which had a fairly rough game against the Ducks.
He was all over the field making plays in some big situations, batting down passes, and finding his way to receivers with some impressive football instincts that he has been showing off in his first season with the Buckeyes.
He finished the game with eight total tackles, one for loss and two passes broken up. In a game that was not great for what was supposed to be a very strong Ohio State defense, Downs was one of few bright spots.
